Alla Italia

Alla Italia is just around the corner from the King’s Theatre and a brisk five minute walk from the Theatre Royal.

Which means that it’s not hard to see how the Pitt Street restaurant gained the reputation for being the ‘show before the show’.

Of course, it is not just the proximity to two of Glasgow’s theatres which makes Alla Italia popular.

It’s also the authentic Italian dishes which are cooked fresh, using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients as well as speciality products imported from Italy.

Seasonal menu

Today’s Big Deal is a great way to see what the Alla Italia chefs are capable of.

As well as three courses from the summer menu, today’s Big Deal also includes a Champagne cocktail or tea/coffee served with dessert.

Great choice

As well as a tasty, rustic minestrone soup, the starters on offer include a classic Caprese salad, made with buffalo mozzarella, tomato and basil; a choice of brushcetta plus arancini – rice balls flavoured with wild mushrooms and mozzarella.

The selection of main courses is packed with classic dishes like the traditional lasagne; spaghetti carbonara and pizza topped with roasted Mediterranean vegetables.

A popular dish is the pollo alla pepe – breast of chicken with black pepper, brandy, fresh cream and a glossy demi-glace sauce.

The choice of desserts includes a rich Italian chocolate pot; vanilla panna cotta with fresh summer berries and Italian ice cream.

There are supplements for specials like the mixed antipasto, the sea bass and the fillet steak.

Happy customers

Alla Italia only launched in the beginning of 2014 so has not had time to garner lots of 5pm Dining reviews.

Of the twenty or so people who have booked through 5pm and then reviewed Alla Italia, they have given the restaurant a very healthy combined score of 4/5.

This is what a recent diner had to say:

‘Definitely recommend. Love little restaurants that are tucked away from the busy main streets and this one did not disappoint. Lovely decor, friendly staff, great service, lovely food, outstanding value for money. Will definitely be back.’ Rating 4.8/5